Hafele Names Smith New U.S. President

ARCHDALE, NC — Paul Smith has been named president/CEO of Häfele America Co. effective immediately. Smith succeeds John Hossli, who is retiring after having served as president since 1999. Smith, who has been with Häfele since mid-2011, will oversee all the hardware manufacturer's operations in the United States.

The announcement was made Jan. 9 by corporate parent Häfele Group, with headquarters in Nagold, Germany. Smith will be the third person to oversee Hafele Group's U.S. subsidiary since it was formed in 1973. Prior to Häfele, Smith held management positions at Haworth Inc., General Electric and Whirlpool Corp.

“We believe Paul’s 25 years of proven management experience combined with his expertise in architectural interiors, engineering and solutions will lead Häfele America toward continued growth and success,” Sibylle Thierer, CEO and president of Häfele Group said in a statement. “His expertise, passion and leadership also make Paul extremely well suited to contribute to the expanding Häfele global enterprise.”

“I’m excited to have this opportunity to join the Häfele family,” Smith added. “With its rich heritage of innovation, Häfele is truly a unique organization. I’m looking forward to providing leadership in the industry and helping Häfele continue to grow.”

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Karen M. Koenig

Karen M. Koenig has more than 30 years of experience in the woodworking industry, including visits to wood products manufacturing facilities throughout North America, Europe and Asia. As editor of special publications under the Woodworking Network brand, including the Red Book Best Practices resource guide and website, Karen’s responsibilities include writing, editing and coordinating of editorial content. She is also a contributor to FDMC and other Woodworking Network online and print media owned by CCI Media. She can be reached at karen.koenig@woodworkingnetwork.com